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      I’m one of Premier League’s youngest ever players… but I had to borrow a fan’s shirt with NO NUMBER at Anfield aged 16

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      ANDY CAMPBELL was one of the youngest players ever to play in the Premier League back in 1996 – but his big day at Anfield only happened thanks to a fan giving him a shirt.The former striker made his bow in the big-time off the bench for boyhood club Middlesbrough aged just 16 years 11 months and 18 days in a 3-1 win over Sheffield Wednesday on 5 April, 1996.
      Andy Campbell was one the third youngest player in Premier League history when he made his Boro debutCredit: Alamy
      The star had no shirt to make his full debut at Anfield, which led to a stunning set of eventsCredit: Getty
      A fan had to lend the striker their shirt which had no number on it to playCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      Campbell has now managed to track down the supporter named Graham WalkerCredit: Twitter / @andycampbell32
      That made the now 43-year-old the Premier League’s third youngest-ever player at the time.
      A fortnight later Campbell was thrust into the spotlight after then player-manager Bryan Robson decided to hand him a first-team debut at Anfield against Liverpool.
      However, the Manchester United and England legend only made the decision to name the teenager in his team at the last-minute and created a major problem – he did not have a shirt.
      Robson received special permission from the Premier League that allowed the forward to play the game without a number on his back.
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      But that still left one major issue – they still needed to get their hands on a jersey for him.
      That led to Boro’s physio frantically trying to find an away fan outside of Anfield and offer a unique swap, trading Robson’s shirt with a supporter’s blank one.
      Recalling the remarkable set of events, Campbell told Teesside Live: “I was in the squad when I was 16 and Bryan Robson told the kit man at the time to not put a shirt in for me because I wasn’t going to play.
      “I ended up having to play and make my debut at Liverpool, which was also the same day as Ian Rush’s last match for them, but I didn’t have a shirt.
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      “The club had to get special permission from the Premier League to get a blank shirt from the crowd, and swapped it with a ‘Robson 16’ shirt because he wasn’t playing that day either, I was given the shirt and that was it.
      “We lost 1-0 but it was such a special occasion for me and my family, I just never tracked down who gave me that shirt that day.”
      Campbell, who later earned legendary status at Cardiff City after his League One play-off final winner in 2003 and also played for Sheffield United, Bolton, Doncaster and Oxford, went 27 years without knowing who made his debut possible.
      But the now Boro Women’s manager has finally tracked down Graham Walker, the man responsible, through the power of Twitter after his step-daughter Kelsey saw the appeal. 
      And the 62-year-old, who is also from Middlesbrough, even still had Robson’s shirt that he received in the exchange.
      “I put it on Twitter a couple of years ago to find out who it was but nobody ever came forward and honestly I’d given up on it. But then Kelsey got in touch completely out of the blue and told us that it was her stepdad who gave over the shirt – the power of social media!
      “I’ve still got the shirt and it’s framed in my house, it was such a special moment for me in my career and I’ve still got my debut recorded on VHS. It’s 27 years ago since I made my debut, it feels like a lifetime ago!”
      Walker added: “I remember it well! I was asked outside of Anfield by Boro’s physio Bob Ward if they could have the shirt I was wearing, I asked why and they said to give to Andy Campbell because he was making his debut and they didn’t have a shirt for him.
      “I was then led into Anfield and into Boro’s changing room. All the players were there as well as Bryan Robson and Viv Anderson. I got Bryan Robson’s shirt in return for handing mine over and I still have it today!” More

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      Premier League Supercomputer predicts weekend’s scores including West Ham vs Chelsea, Arsenal and Leeds vs Man Utd

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      THE PREMIER LEAGUE title race hots up this weekend with Arsenal looking to bounce back from their surprise defeat at Everton last week.The Gunners host Brentford in a London derby with Thomas Frank’s side in fine form.
      Manchester United take on Leeds for the second time in five daysCredit: AP
      The Bees are unbeaten in nine Prem games so they will provide another big test of the Gunners’ title credentials.
      A defeat would provide both Manchester clubs with an opportunity to close the gap at the top, with United taking on Leeds for the second time in five days.
      Erik ten Hag’s side clawed their way back to claim a point after trailing 2-0 to the managerless side on Wednesday, who are still looking for Jesse Marsch’s successor after target Carlos Corberan decided to stay at West Brom.
      Leeds are fighting relegation with only a point separating them from the bottom three, just like West Ham.
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      The Hammers have had a mini resurgence and are unbeaten in their last three games – they welcome Chelsea to East London in Saturday’s lunch-time kick-off.
      Elsewhere Manchester City take on Aston Villa as they seek to get back to winning ways following defeat at Tottenham.
      And the biggest fixture of the weekend takes place on Monday with Liverpool hosting Everton in the Merseyside derby.
      Here is how the supercomputer – which analyses the latest odds and statistical data – sees the games unfolding.
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      West Ham vs Chelsea, Saturday 12.30pm
      The return from suspension of loanee Joao Felix will boost the Blues.
      The forward was sent off in his debut against Fulham but did show promising signs in that encounter.
      However Chelsea have struggled of late with just one win in seven games and Graham Potter is still in the process of bedding in new signings.
      Despite their troubles both sides have mean defences and West Ham are expected to continue their unbeaten run after picking up an impressive point at Newcastle last time out.
      Supercomputer prediction: Draw
      Supercomputer predicted scoreline: West Ham 1-1 Chelsea
      Most likely goalscorer: Joao Felix
      Joao Felix returns from suspension after getting sent off on his debutCredit: Getty

      Arsenal vs Brentford, 3pm
      Mikel Arteta will be desperate to get back to winning ways following Arsenal’s unconvincing performance at Goodison Park.
      They are unbeaten at The Emirates and have won their last two games against Brentford, including a 3-0 thrashing earlier this season.
      Bees look tough to beat and have only conceded one goal in five league games, but the supercomputer is tipping Arsenal for the win.
      Supercomputer winner: Arsenal
      Supercomputer predicted scoreline: Arsenal 2-0 Brentford
      Most likely goalscorer: Eddie Nketiah
      Arsenal will hope Eddie Nketiah can fire them to another winCredit: Getty
      Fulham vs Nottingham Forest, 3pm
      Fulham are performing above expectations this season and are eighth in the Prem after also progressing to the FA Cup fifth round in mid-week.
      They are favourites to beat Nottingham Forest who have struggled to replicate their impressive home form on the road this season.
      Supercomputer winner: Fulham
      Supercomputer predicted scoreline: Fulham 1-0 Forest
      Most likely goalscorer: Aleksandar Mitrovic
      Leicester vs Tottenham, 3pm
      Harry Kane became Tottenham’s record goalscorer last weekend against City and he is the favourite to score at the King Power stadium.
      He has a fantastic record against Leicester with 20 goals in 19 games against them – more than he has managed against any other club.
      Leicester are struggling for form despite beating Aston Villa 4-2 last time out, while three points for Spurs could see them overtake Newcastle into fourth place.
      Supercomputer winner: Tottenham
      Supercomputer predicted scoreline: Leicester 1-2 Tottenham
      Most likely goalscorer: Harry Kane
      Crystal Palace vs Brighton, 3pm
      These two rivals come into the game with very different form – Brighton are unbeaten in six.
      In fact, the Seagulls have lost just once since October and that was to league leaders Arsenal.
      By contrast, Palace have not won in six games and last won at Selhurst Park when Southampton visited in October.
      Supercomputer winner: Brighton
      Supercomputer predicted scoreline: Crystal Palace 0-1 Brighton
      Most likely goalscorer: Evan Ferguson
      Southampton vs Wolves, 3pm
      Saints boss Nathan Jones came under fire after losing to Brentford 3-0 last week so will want a reaction from his team.
      But Wolves look resurgent under Julen Lopetegui and will be high on confidence after demolishing Liverpool 3-0 last week.
      Supercomputer prediction: Draw
      Supercomputer predicted scoreline: Southampton 1-1 Wolves
      Most likely goalscorer: Paul Onuachu
      Bournemouth vs Newcastle, 5.30pm
      Eddie Howe returns to Bournemouth for the first time since leaving as manager in August 2020.
      He has faced the Cherries twice this season with Newcastle struggling to break them down in both games.
      The two teams draw in the league but Toon won 1-0 in the Carabao Cup and they are expected to continue their 16-game unbeaten Prem streak at the Vitality stadium.
      Bournemouth are without a win in eight games and have found goals hard to come by.
      Supercomputer winner: Newcastle
      Supercomputer predicted scoreline: Bournemouth 0-1 Newcastle
      Most likely goalscorer: Callum Wilson
      Leeds vs Man Utd, Sunday 2pm
      Leeds tore up the form book by racing into a 2-0 lead at Old Trafford in midweek and could fancy their chances in front of a raucous, packed-out Elland Road.
      But United have plenty of goals in the side with Marcus Rashford continuing his brilliant form on Wednesday.
      Jadon Sancho also scored to level the game at 2-2 after returning from a lengthy absence, and he could be the difference if he is handed his first start since October.
      Supercomputer winner: Man Utd
      Supercomputer predicted scoreline: Leeds 1-2 Man Utd
      Most likely goalscorer: Marcus Rashford
      Marcus Rashford is United’s biggest threat with 12 goals in his last 14 gamesCredit: Getty
      Manchester City vs Aston Villa, 4.30pm
      City are massive favourites against Aston Villa with Erling Haaland expected to rediscover his goalscoring form.
      The Norwegian hitman struck in the return fixture and should have his trusty partner Kevin de Bruyne back after the Belgian started the last game on the bench.
      Villa have been inconsistent of late and last beat City in 2013, and that bad run is likely to continue.
      Supercomputer winner: Manchester City
      Supercomputer predicted scoreline: Manchester 2-0 Aston Villa
      Most likely goalscorer: Erling Haaland
      Liverpool vs Everton, Monday 8pm
      Liverpool are the favourites despite Everton’s big 1-0 win over Arsenal last Saturday.
      The Toffees were superb in their first game under Sean Dyche and he will be looking to take advantage of a suspect Reds defence.
      The Liverpool attack has also looked uncharacteristically ineffective of late with Mo Salah last scoring a Prem goal on Boxing Day – despite that he is still the favourite to score.
      Supercomputer winner: Liverpool
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      Supercomputer predicted scoreline: Liverpool 2-0 Everton
      Most likely goalscorer: Mo Salah More

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      Man Utd are worrying me, it feels like they’ve got a manager who knows what he’s doing and coming back, fears Carragher

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      JAMIE CARRAGHER has admitted he is worried about Manchester United’s revival under Erik ten Hag.The Red Devils are looking competitive again after years in the wilderness and sit only seven points off top spot in the Premier League.
      Jamie Carragher has admitted he is keeping an eye on Man UnitedCredit: Getty
      Jadon Sancho capped his return with a goal on WednesdayCredit: AP
      It’s been nearly a decade since United last won the title, with fans having to witness rivals Manchester City and Liverpool enjoy great success in the meantime.
      But pundit and Liverpool legend Carragher has revealed his fears that United are on their way back.
      He told The Overlap: “It does feel different to me under Erik ten Hag.
      “I always felt there was a negativity around the previous managers. With Jose Mourinho it felt like there were problems between him and the board.
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      “With Louis van Gaal, I’m not sure the fans were ever on board with his style of football. And with Ole [Gunnar Solskjaer], no one ever thought he would be a manager who could win United a title.
      “But now it feels like they’ve got a manager who knows what he’s doing. Also, it feels like there’s a spirit at United that we haven’t seen for a while.
      ‘It feels like that’s coming back. I think there’s something happening at Manchester United that I didn’t see with those other managers. So it’s worry, yeah.”

      Things could get even more exciting for fans as news of a takeover gathers pace.
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      The unpopular Glazer family put the club up for sale last year and now a group of Qatari investors are believed to be among those jostling for control of the club.
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      On the pitch, Wednesday night’s draw against Leeds ended United’s 13-game home-winning run.
      But with the club still in contention for four competitions, with a cup final and a two-legged tussle with Barcelona to come this month, United fans will be hoping to end the season on a high. More

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      Man Utd women’s players ‘DON’T want Mason Greenwood to return to the club’ after star striker was accused of rape

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      MANCHESTER United’s women’s players don’t want Mason Greenwood to return to the club.Players are reportedly set against the idea of the 21-year-old ever running out at Old Trafford again, despite the attempted rape charges against him being dropped.
      Manchester United’s women’s players are reported to be set against any return for Mason GreenwoodCredit: AFP
      The charges against the striker were dropped earlier this monthCredit: PA
      According to reports in The Athletic, “the feeling is strong” amongst the team that Greenwood should be let go.
      They cite an audio clip released on social media last January, which was alleged to be a recording of the player forcing himself on a woman.
      This has apparently made some players “deeply uncomfortable” with the prospect of him pulling on the red jersey again.
      Likewise, furious female United fans have demanded that he be released from his contract.
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      This feeling is reportedly even shared amongst his teammates in the men’s dressing room, who are not all in favour of having him back.
      The striker is currently suspended by the club, pending an internal investigation.
      Charges of attempted rape, assault and coercive control against the star were dropped earlier this month after several key witnesses withdrew.
      It comes after a PR expert exclusively revealed that United or, should the young star be sacked, any club looking to sign him could lose “millions” due to fan and sponsor backlash.
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      David Alexander, managing director of Calacus PR, told The Sun Online: “It’s impossible to put a figure on the impact of United choosing to retain Greenwood, if that is what they end up deciding to do.
      “But with corporate partnerships being significant, the financial impact could easily run into millions.”
      He concluded that the Manchester ace may have to go “beyond Europe” to a country where “women’s rights are not as advanced” to re-launch his career.
      It comes as the England international is rumoured to be lining up a major transfer to China, which could see him take a large pay cut due to the Chinese Super League’s salary cap on foreign players.

      Similarly, top sports lawyer and former pro player David Winnie told The Sun Online that Greenwood himself could have lost a similar amount after being dropped by major sponsor Nike.
      Manchester United have been contacted for comment.
      However, the women’s team are said to be ‘deeply uncomfortable’ with the prospect of the club retaining himCredit: AFP
      He is currently suspended by the club, pending an internal investigationCredit: Getty More

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      Arsenal join Man Utd in Ansu Fati transfer race with Liverpool and Bayern Munich ‘informed’ of his Barcelona situation

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      ARSENAL have joined the race to sign Barcelona star Ansu Fati, according to reports. The Premier League leaders are working on ways to bolster their attack come the summer.
      Ansu Fati has seen most of his minutes this season come from the benchCredit: Rex
      Fati has six goal contributions in his limited minutes this season
      According to Fabrizio Romano, this has seen them set their sights on Fati.
      The 20-year-old is one of the most exciting talents in world football.
      However, a lack of minutes – other than those gained off the bench – have seen the Spaniard question whether he wants to stay at the club in the summer.
      The report suggests Barcelona want to keep him beyond the summer, but the second half of this season is pivotal in the decision.
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      The Gunners have joined Manchester United and Liverpool to try and sign him and are said to be “well informed” on the situation.
      Meanwhile, German giants Bayern Munich are interested but are not actively working on a deal.
      Barcelona’s aforementioned reluctance to sell up could see them refer any would-be buyers to Fati’s colossal €1billion (£898million) release clause.
      Fortunately for the interested parties, Barcelona need to considerably lower their wage bill under the orders of La Liga chief Javier Tebas.
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      Despite the pulling of a number of economic levers to facilitate transfers and contracts last summer, the club remain under huge financial pressure.
      This means they could allow the likes of Fati or Frenkie de Jong to leave in the summer to help shave off £177m from their wage bill. More

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      Tottenham ‘target shock transfer swoop for ex-Chelsea star Marc Guehi with Crystal Palace open to £45million sale’

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      TOTTENHAM are interested in signing Crystal Palace star Marc Guehi, according to reports.Spurs are keen to strengthen their defence and have several targets in mind ahead of the summer transfer window.
      Marc Guehi could cost around £45millionCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      Antonio Conte tried to bring in Milan Skriniar and Alessandro Bastoni from Inter Milan last year.
      But with a deal for that pair likely to prove tricky Spurs have turned their attention to Guehi, report the Daily Mail.
      However Crystal Palace are reluctant to let the centre-back leave as he has been a key part of Patrick Vieira’s side in his 18 months at Selhurst Park.
      But the Eagles will reportedly sell the three-cap England star if they receive an offer in excess of £45million.
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      Tottenham may be prepared to meet that asking price and could reportedly raise funds by selling Davinson Sanchez.
      Clement Lenglet is also set to leave the club when his loan expires which means the North London outfit could sign two centre-backs when the transfer window opens.
      RB Leipzig defender Josko Gvardiol is another player who has caught the eye – he impressed for Croatia at the World Cup.
      But again a transfer could prove almost impossible with Leipzig demanding £80m for Gvardiol last month amid interest from Chelsea, Manchester City and Real Madrid.
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      Meanwhile Skriniar has been stripped of the Inter captaincy amid news he has signed a pre-contract agreement with PSG, though that deal has not been officially confirmed by either club.
      Daniel Levy could focus his attention on Bastoni because of that, with Tottenham believed to have been considering a £43m January bid for the Italian. More

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      Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard takes huge swipe at Real Madrid as he reveals reasons for quitting for Gunners

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      MARTIN ODEGAARD believes he may have got more of a chance at Real Madrid “if I’d been Spanish” and been given more time to develop.Odegaard was first lured to Arsenal by Arteta on loan from Madrid before making his move permanent in a £30million deal in the summer of 2021.
      Martin Odegaard has opened up on his struggles at Real MadridCredit: Getty
      The Arsenal skipper is now thriving in the Premier LeagueCredit: Getty
      The Norwegian international, 24, has flourished since then and has helped the Gunners to race into a five-point lead this term at the top of the Premier League.
      However, he first hit the headlines a mega NINE YEARS AGO when he burst onto the scene with Stromsgodset in his homeland aged just 15.
      That caught the eye of Madrid, who swooped to bring him to the Bernabeu in 2015 and he went on to become the youngest player to ever represent the LaLiga giants.
      However, he has explained how training with superstars like Cristiano Ronaldo, Luka Modric and Toni Kroos but playing for their B team hindered his progress.
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      And he believes that if he was not a foreigner then he could have transitioned fully into a first-team regular there.
      Speaking to The Players’ Tribune, Odegaard said: “They were all very kind, and the ones who spoke English — Kroos, Modric, Ronaldo — took extra care of me in the beginning. They gave me advice and helped me a lot.
      “But honestly I don’t think any of them were particularly worried about a 16-year-old from Norway taking their place in the team.
      “We made this plan with the club that I would train every day with the first team but get regular game time with the B team. It seemed like a smart plan at the time, but it worked out that I ended up not finding my place with either group.
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      “With the B team, I wasn’t with them regularly so I didn’t find that connection. In the first team, I was just some kid who came to train. I wasn’t involved in matches. I felt a bit like an outsider. I was stuck in between.
      “I stopped playing with the spark that was typical of my game. I went a bit too safe for a time. I was worrying more about not making mistakes than actually playing my game.
      “My game was always about making a difference. Playing the difficult pass. I can understand why it happened now. I was still a little kid, but I’ve learned that you have to be ruthless. You have to not give a f***. You have to show the real you on the pitch.”
      After struggling for game time, Odegaard was sent out on loan to Holland with firstly Heerenveen and then Vitesse.
      That was followed by a two-year stint back in Spain with Real Sociedad, where he helped the club to win the Copa del Rey in 2019.
      He returned to the Bernabeu in 2020 but again struggled to make an impact, leading to his initial switch to the Emirates that following January.
      Odegaard, whose should line-up for Arsenal against Brentford on Saturday, said: “After a couple of years, I just wasn’t progressing.
      “The press came after me for not immediately living up to the hype. I was an easy target. If you really know me, you know I smile a lot, but I think from the outside sometimes my face looks more grumpy than I actually am! It made it easier for them to write about how I was struggling to adapt.
      “I remember reading a headline like: “NOW IT’S MAKE OR BREAK TIME FOR MARTIN ODEGAARD” And I’m like, make or break? I’m 18 years old!
      “Maybe If I’d been Spanish, I might have been given a bit more time to grow. Honestly, I don’t know. In the end, it’s just the nature of the hype machine. There is no in-between in modern football. You’re either the best signing in history, or you’re sh**.”
      Odegaard, who also revealed how Arteta convinced him to sign for Arsenal, added: “Listen, I want to make it clear that I am not complaining about my time at Real Madrid. Not at all.
      “Going to Madrid was a good thing for me. I learned so much about what it takes to reach the top. I watched, trained and learned from the best players in the world, my idols. I played at the Bernabeu. I learned to be tough and to face challenges. It’s part of who I am now. It’s the reason I’m where I am today.
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      “But when things got tough, I never lost sight of the bigger picture. In my head I was always like, How can I change? How can I get better? Because in the end, I will never be the guy who is happy to just train at the biggest club and maybe get a few minutes here and there.
      “I was always thinking about what I needed to do to be the best version of me I could be. That’s why I needed to move on.” More

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      Man Utd transfer target Paulo Dybala ‘available for just £10.7m this summer’ with shock Roma release clause revealed

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      MANCHESTER UNITED have reportedly received a huge boost in their striker search regarding Paulo Dybala.The Red Devils lost Cristiano Ronaldo in December but brought in Wout Weghorst on-loan to bolster their forward line.
      Man Utd could reignite their interest in Paulo Dybala this summerCredit: EPA
      However, boss Erik ten Hag is looking to bring in a new striker this summer and has identified Napoli’s Victor Osimhen as his No1 target.
      They have also been linked with a swoop for Harry Kane, who became Tottenham’s record-goalscorer last weekend.
      And this week they have allegedly added Roma’s ex-Chelsea forward Tammy Abraham to their transfer wishlist.
      However, now a fresh claim could see them go back in for former target Dybala.
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      The 29-year-old Argentina international was wanted by United last summer before he eventually joined Abraham at Roma on a free from Juventus.
      He put pen to paper on a three-year deal with the Giallorossi that earns him £5million per season, including bonuses.

      He then stated that it was a personal discussion with Roma manager Jose Mourinho, previously the boss at Old Trafford, that convinced him to move to the Italian capital instead.
      But Sport have claimed that part of his package there included a clause that would allow him to leave for just £10.7m this summer.
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      And that could reignite United’s interest as they look to recruit a new frontman for the long-term.
      Dybala rose to stardom upon moving to Juventus from Palermo in 2015.
      The ace amassed a total of 115 goals and 48 assists in 293 appearances throughout his seven-year stint in Turin.
      He also won five consecutive Serie A titles and was part of the team that made it to the 2017 Champions League Final.
      So far this season he has scored seven goals in 15 top-flight matches for Roma. More